WVU researchers say coal mining endangers public health
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) - Living near a coal mine can be hazardous to your health. At least that's the conclusion of West Virginia University researcher Michael Hendryx. He says people living in Appalachian mining communities face higher risk of chronic heart, lung and kidney diseases. And he says they're also more likely to die early.
Hendryx blames smoking, poverty and poor education for much of the problem. But he says coal mining is a significant factor as well. While the study was based on a 2001 poll of West Virginians, Hendryx says information on deaths from other states suggests the problems are found in Appalachia's other coal states like Alabama. Coal mining officials declined to comment until they review the study.
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